Belly pan necessary?

Just picked up my 1st Econoline van, its a 64 Falcon window van. Been sitting for a while & of course needs attention, but my question is how important r the belly pans on these vans? I know earlies run hot in general, but does a belly pan on an econ make a big difference in keeping them running cool?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks very much.
Scott

The belly pan helps with keeping the engine cool when driving. It circulates the air coming thru the front of the van thru the radiator and doghouse. I think there is more of an issue with heat when stuck in traffic or idling but if you can get a belly pan, I would put one in. Definitely won't hurt to have it there. JMO

Scott, did you buy the one in New Jersey? I spoke with the owner thru emails about it. Seems like a good project. Looked to be in pretty good shape except for the little bit of rust on the rockers but they have panels available for those, I think.

Thanks for the info, appreciate it.  Trying to keep this a low budget driver build, and it seems a belly pan aint cheap which is why I asked about it.  I know on the G vans they r more there for highway driving, forcing the air into the doghouse with louvers.  

I came across this 1 at a local car show on Sat.  Its rough, hasnt been on the road for years, but runs & almost drives, lol.  Gonna do what it needs 4 now & decide to keep or sell in the spring.

I believe the belly pan helps when both driving and while stopped.

Without the belly pan the hot air coming out of the radiator can go under the radiator and right back through the radiator.

With the belly pan, the hot air coming out of the radiator has to travel much father to get back into the front of radiator, and by then it has mingled with the cooler air.

Barnabas wrote:I believe the belly pan helps when both driving and while stopped.  

Without the belly pan the hot air coming out of the radiator can go under the radiator and right back through the radiator.  

With the belly pan, the hot air coming out of the radiator has to travel much father to get back into the front of radiator, and by then it has mingled with the cooler air.

Agreed, belly pans are needed all the time, especially at slow speeds.